Best Tacos in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has the best tacos in the United States, period. With the largest Mexican population outside of Mexico, LA offers authentic regional varieties from every Mexican state. From $1.50 street tacos to $6 gourmet creations, the taco scene here is unmatched. Taco trucks operate 24/7, and competition keeps quality incredibly high.

Leo's Tacos (multiple locations) — the al pastor is legendary, carved fresh from the trompo. Open late, always packed. Tacos El Gordo — Tijuana-style tacos with incredible carne asada. Mariscos Jalisco — shrimp tacos that started the birria taco craze. El Chato — a Westside institution open until 3am. These trucks are LA institutions.

Guisados (Boyle Heights, DTLA, more) — braised meat tacos on handmade tortillas. Sonoratown — flour tortillas made fresh, Sonoran-style beef. Carnitas El Momo — Michoacan-style carnitas, incredibly tender. Tire Shop Taqueria — don't let the name fool you, the tacos are perfect. Taqueria Los Anaya — old-school East LA vibes.

The birria taco craze started in LA. Birria is slow-cooked, spiced beef in consommé. Teddy's Red Tacos — the original viral birria spot. Birrieria Gonzalez — authentic Jalisco-style birria since 1952. La Única de Oaxaca — lesser known but exceptional. Pro tip: dip the taco in the consommé between bites.

Tacos de Cabeza (beef head) — Tacos La Güera. Tacos de Lengua (tongue) — silky, tender at most traditional spots. Fish Tacos — Baja-style at Ricky's Fish Tacos. Barbacoa — slow-cooked lamb, best on weekends. Suadero — crispy beef brisket, try at Tire Shop Taqueria. Each regional style tells a story.

Guerrilla Tacos — James Beard-nominated, creative seasonal tacos. Broken Spanish — high-end Mexican with refined taco concepts. Holbox — Yucatan-style seafood tacos in Mercado La Paloma. These spots prove tacos can be elevated without losing their soul. Expect to pay $5-12 per taco at these spots.